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Chapter: The Pyramid

Most common materials could readily take on three states: solid, liquid, and gas. Holy Light, as an incredibly profound energy, surpassed this with numerous diverse forms and corresponding properties.

The Holy Light that Forseti infused into the iron sword was a type capable of stable, long-term preservation within objects.

In theory, such Holy Light could endure for millennia without dissipating—assuming the sword remained undamaged externally, an unrealistic premise.

Any impact or corrosion would deplete the sword's Holy Light, making it nearly impossible in practice for the energy to last for thousands of years. Forseti estimated the Holy Light's persistence in the sword at best for a few decades, given its inevitable wear and tear as a weapon.

After a while, Forseti ceased the infusion and returned the sword to Craterus.

Taking the sword, Craterus examined it closely, his eyes widening. "This..."

Though outwardly unchanged, a faint golden glow now emanated from the iron sword, imbued with Forseti's Holy Light.

"This is the power of my Holy Light," Forseti explained.

"Holy Light's power?" queried Craterus.

Forseti nodded. "It enhances your sword's strength, sharpness, and adds extra lethality against evil."

"For the battle at El Fontina in a few days, this sword will prove invaluable."

Grateful, Craterus's earlier defeat seemed forgotten. "Thank you... You truly are a revered god!"

Forseti smiled, adding a cautionary note, "But remember, do not wield this sword for evil deeds, especially those that cross moral boundaries."

Holy Light wasn't absolute justice—such a concept didn't exist in the world. Yet, most Paladins' Holy Light exhibited a clear proclivity towards justice, repelling evil deeds.

Should someone wield this iron sword for malevolent purposes,

The Holy Light within would react, inflicting burns or potentially even exploding with considerable force.

"You can test its power," Forseti offered.

Drawing an iron dagger from his waist, Craterus struck the sword several times. "Clang! Clang! Clang!"

Each impact caused the sword to briefly shimmer with golden light. By the end, the dagger had sustained damage while the sword remained unscathed.

Excited, Craterus looked to little Alexander, whose eyes sparkled with admiration.

Returning to the hall, Forseti's decisive victory over the Celestial Legion's deputy commander earned him widespread respect, notably from the Legion's leader, who admitted, "Respected god, my earlier arrogance was misplaced."

Continuing, he queried, "However, since the strength of the Apocalypse Knight rivals yours, are you solely responsible for the pyramid's battle?"

Forseti replied assuredly, "Not alone. I have a follower and two formidable allies. Additionally, Agamato, of the Shield Brotherhood, will join us."

"In that case," the Celestial Legion's Commander nodded, reassured, "We'll handle the battle outside the pyramid, aiming to utterly defeat Apocalypse Egypt."

Aristotle interjected, "Egypt's influence spans the globe; immediate, total victory may prove elusive. Furthermore, with Apocalypse's demise, global power dynamics will shift, potentially causing prolonged unrest."

"Aristotle speaks wisely..."

As discussions ensued, little Alexander pulled Craterus aside, whispering, "Craterus, as old friends, you can give me your sword, and I'll give you something good in return."

"Your Highness, this..." Craterus hesitated.

"You won't regret it," Alexander insisted.

After much deliberation, Craterus relented, "Alright... Can we wait until after the Apocalypse War concludes?"

Alexander pondered briefly before agreeing, "Deal."

...

Days passed swiftly until the summer solstice of 347 BC arrived.

The Macedonian human legion had already mobilized, lurking near El Fontina, poised for imminent action.

The sun shone brightly overhead as Forseti and hundreds gathered in Akademi College's open expanse. In their midst lay a golden disk with three silver spots, one now extinguished.

Adjacent stood a statue of Khonshu.

Moments later, Khonshu's voice emanated from the statue, "With one spot left, the rebirth ceremony commences. This brief summer solstice ceremony requires swift action—Apocalypse must be defeated before the last light fades!"

Rising, everyone prepared for the final battle.

Forseti handed two vials of agility potions to Diops and Agamato respectively, instructing, "These agility potions enhance reaction speed. Drink before battle."

Acknowledging this, both nodded.

Agamato and a dozen mages then surrounded a pre-prepared magic circle, channeling their combined efforts into its intricate design. Gradually, the circle lit up in a radiant gold-red hue.

In this era, Agamato, though a magical prodigy, was not yet thirty. While he had created an initial teleportation spell, its execution remained imperfect, requiring both time and collective mana for larger groups.

As the mages worked in unison, the magic circle intensified, casting a vast teleportation portal that shimmered but remained partly sealed.

"Is it time?" Agamato queried.

Khonshu monitored the golden disk as its remaining lights flickered rapidly, leaving just one.

Meanwhile, thousands of miles away, within the Egyptian city of El Fontina, preparations for the most revered event of the year were underway.

Viewed from afar, at the heart of the solar system, the sun's radiant energy—burning for billions of years—illuminated El Fontina. Specifically, it cast its brilliance upon the pyramid nestled at the city's core.

The city, cloaked in endless stretches of yellow sand, teemed with hundreds of thousands of warriors.

Within the pyramid, Apocalypse removed his golden helmet, revealing a visage worn and weary as he addressed his assembled followers.

"Master, the time has come," intoned the Death Knight respectfully.